Events

The Bay Area AAZK Chapter holds numerous events throughout the year to promote communication and education among animal professionals, and raise money for conservation.

Hands-On Workshops (year round)

New to 2014, BAAAZK is offering hands-on workshops throughout the year. Past topics include Resume and Cover Letter Writing, and AAZK Online. Workshop presenters do not need to be BAAAZK chapter members.

BAAAZKers learn about veterinary care in regard to captive wildlife at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo.Photo by Elena Seto

This is national AAZK’s flagship fundraiser, with money going to support rhino conservation efforts in Africa and southeast Asia. AAZK chapters across the U.S. hold their individual events in the early summer. All money goes to in-situ conservation areas: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya to aid the black and white rhino species; International Rhino Foundation to aid the Indian, Javan, and Sumatran rhino species throughout Indonesia; and since 2009 AAZK BFR has supported Action for Cheetahs in Kenya. Please see AAZK’s Bowling for Rhinos page for more information.

At BAAAZK’s first-ever “Dodging for Rhinos” event, teams have plenty of spirit.

A rhino supporter displays his athleticism at “Dodging for Rhinos.”

The champion team shows off their winnings: golden dodgeballs that have rhinos printed on them!

National Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week (July)

During the third week of July, keepers are celebrated! Small fundraisers at individual institutions may also raise money for BAAAZK. Please see AAZK’s National Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week page for more information.

An annual conference that features 6 presentations at a BAAAZK chapter facility. Presentations cover all aspects of animal husbandry and conservation. You do not need to be a BAAAZK chapter member to present. Past presenters include supervisors, keepers, volunteers and veterinarians from various zoos, and Norman Gershenz, Co-founder of SaveNature.Org.

A presentation at the 2013 Fall Mini Conference held at San Francisco Zoo.Photo by Lisa Clifton-Bumpass